Organic Garden Site pics

starting to get g(r)o(w)ing...

Well, I'm back in Mol after a year of
working in
Brussels.

As you can see, the garden's been
"wiped
out" (September 2008)

But we're presently in process of
trying to bring it
"back to life"... April 2009

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June 2009

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2007 Pics and Docs

A letter and proposed schedule (in Dutch, in
English) from Lieven David, an experienced organic
gardener (in association with
VELT), who will come to look over the
grounds, get acquainted and get things organized (with the "Green Team"
& other interested
parties --- March 9, 2007 @ 2.45pm)

A short film over a permaculture project in Jordan,
follows, wherein a barren piece of desert near to the Dead Sea
was made into a productive ecosysteem. This was acieved through the use
of logical techniques given in
permaculture. We can save many more areas of the world where ecosystems
have been depleted with
permaculture.
This example is very inspirational and lets one see how a
well-developed permaculture system works.
You can find out more about this project on the Australian Permaculture
website:www.permaculture.org.au

"an
ecological production management system that promotes and
enhances biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity.
It is
based on minimal use of off-farm inputs and on management practices
that
restore, maintain and enhance ecological harmony (National
Organic Standards Board)."

Masanobu
Fukuoka is a farmer/philosopher who lives on the Island of Shikoku, in
southern
Japan. His farming technique requires no machines, no chemicals and
very little
weeding. He does not plow the soil or use prepared compost and yet the
condition
of the soil in his orchards and fields improve each year. His method
creates no
pollution and does not require fossil fuels. His method requires less
labor than
any other, yet the yields in his orchard and fields compare favorably
with the
most productive Japanese farms which use all the technical know-how of
modern
science.

Food and
PermacultureDavid Blume:I wrote this in response
to a woman who said
something like
"Of course you couldn't feed the world with such a hippy-dippy,
hunter-gatherer, landscape system like permaculture."

Permaculture
is the art and science of designing human beings' place in the
environment. Permaculture design teaches you to understand and mirror
the patterns found in healthy natural environments. You can then build
profitable, productive, sustainable, cultivated ecosystems, which
include people, and have the diversity, stability, and resilience of
natural ecosystems.

For
11 years, the International Institute for Ecological Agriculture ran a
Community Supported Agriculuture Program call "OUR FARM" in Woodside,
CA. Our Farm was a collaboration between eaters and farmers in which
the farmers raised produce for a limited number of eaters (sharers) at
a fixed price, rather than for the general market. The sharers received
the farm's produce, at or near the cost of production, throughout the
year. There were no middlemen between farmer and consumer.

Many
people purchase organic food because they believe it is healthier than
conventionally grown food. The organic industry is constantly told that
there is
no evidence to support these claims. This article looks at published
information
that shows that organic food is substantially healthier than
conventional food.

In agriculture, a green manure is a type of cover crop grown
primarily to add nutrients and organic matter to the soil. Typically, a
green manure crop is grown for a specific period, and then plowed under
and incorporated into the soil. Green manures usually perform multiple
functions, that include soil improvement and soil protection:

\B7Leguminous green manures such as
clover contain nitrogen-fixing symbiotic bacteria in root nodules that
fix atmospheric nitrogen in a form that plants can use.

\B7Green manures increase the
percentage of organic matter (biomass) in the soil, thereby improving
water retention, aeration, and other soil characteristics.

\B7The root systems of some varieties
of green manure grow deep in the soil and bring up nutrient resources
unavailable to shallower-rooted crops.

\B7Common cover crop functions of weed
suppression and prevention of soil erosion and compaction are often
also taken into account when selecting and using green manures.

Historically, the practice of green manuring can be traced
back to the fallow cycle of crop rotation, which was used to allow
soils to recover.

Examples of green manure crops: winter cover crops such as oats
or rye have long been used as green manures; mustard; clover;
fenugreek; lupin; sunn hemp; winter tares;
winter field beans; ferns of the genus Azolla
have been used as a green manure in southeast Asia; velvet bean
(Mucuna pruriens) common in the southern US during the early
part of the 20th century, before being replaced by soybeans \96 it
remains popular today in most tropical countries, especially in Central
America, where it is the main green manure used in Slash/Mulch farming
practices.

Without
chitting some tubers may fail to grow, causing gaps in the rows, others
may send
up as many as seven or eight stems which, being overcrowded become tall
and
spindly. This weakened growth will yield only a poor crop of tubers,
most of
them small.

Some Chinese villages are
turning to
permaculture and promoting a rural revival as ecological crisis hits.

A new movement is underway in China which attempts
to incorporate many aspects of traditional Chinese culture, including
harmony with nature, community values, and a sense of sufficiency
instead of endless pursuit of wealth and consumption.

Over 60 per cent of China\92s population still lives
in the rural areas. With the media constantly showcasing `China\92s
economic miracle\92, many Western readers may not know that its vast
hinterland is in a dangerous state of crisis.

The
organic soil component contains
all the living creatures in the soil and the dead ones in various
stages of
decomposition. An acre of living soil can contain 900 pounds of
earthworms, 2400
pounds of fungi, 1500 pounds of bacteria, 133 pounds of protozoa, 890
pounds of
arthropods and algae, and even small mammals in some cases. In fact,
the soil
could be viewed as a living entity, rather than an inert body.

The soil's organic matter also contains dead
organisms, plant matter and
other organic materials in various phases of decomposition. Humus, the
dark-colored organic material in the final stages of decomposition, is
relatively stable. Both organic matter and humus serve as a reservoir
of plant
nutrients; they also help to build soil structure and provide other
benefits.

The type of healthy living soil required to support
humans now and far into
the future will be balanced in nutrients and high in humus with a high
diversity
of soil organisms. It will produce healthy plants with minimal weed,
disease and
insect pressure. To accomplish this we work with the natural
processes
and optimize their functions to sustain our farms.

In 1975, Soil Taxonomy was published by the United States
Department of Agriculture's Soil Survey Staff. This system for
classifying soils has undergone numerous changes since that time, and
the 2nd edition was published in 1999. Soil Taxonomy remains one of the
most widely used soil classification systems in the world.

Click on each soil order for a high-resolution, printable PDF
file. For a high resolution PDF version of the entire poster,
click on the title in the center of the poster. (All of these
links are also listed below.)

A
city farm as a beacon for people to see, do and understand the Kyoto
protocol.
Through visits, courses,workshops
and open days, participants will learn how they can put into practice
these
ideas in their ownhome,
garden, workplace and community. (See also www.biotifull.be)

Activities

Location and time: in Viane by Geraardsbergen
(Sunday 18 March 2007) from 10.00am to 4:00pmAddress: Maroiestraat 10, 9500
GeraardsbergenPrice: 25,00 euro for non-members and
22,50 euro for members.

Bring a
picknick lunch with you. There are things to drink on location.
Also, bring workclothes and gloves. Sign up beforehand (by Yggdrasil):
per telephone or mail, and send your payment to account number:
979-6533093-51 of Yggdrasil.
(In the series \91Permacultuur in woord en daad\92 there is also a
brochure over "de aanleg van een
kruidenspiraal"
for sale for 2,50 euro.)

Growing
your own food isn't as difficult as you may think.
With permaculture you have less work,
less costs, it saves your back and you get excellent results.
At the workshop we begin with a bit of theory, then we go to work. Most
of the time is spent on
laying out and preparing the vegetable beds for the new season.
Planting and sowing schemas are
also made up and discussed.
Bring a picknic lunch. Drink and soup are available.
Also, bring work clothes, and, just in case, rain gear.

Yggdrasil
Yggdrasil is an ecological meeting point for learning about permaculture
and sustainable farming practices.
There you will see in practice how to grow your own food and herbs in
harmony with nature.

organic gardens in schools

#3.
Organic agriculture
The first organic agriculture program in the United States began at
Washington
State University (WSU) in 2006. Demand for those knowledgeable in
organic
agriculture is growing. "Large corporations increasingly are interested
in
meeting the nation's growing appetite for organic foods [and] are
seeking
employees who understand organic agriculture systems," says Dr. Cathy
Perillo, coordinator of WSU's organic agriculture program, in a press
release.
This major is not widespread, but other institutions are looking into
adding an
organic agriculture degree program, including the University of
California,
Davis. The University of Florida (an Encarta advertiser) also launched
an organic agriculture major in 2006.

EXAMPLES

ENGLAND.
The
Prince of Wales is concerned about "the growing disconnection
between people and the food they eat, particularly amongst young
children"...
It was an enthusiastic response to a teacher\92s survey in the summer
of 2003
that encouraged Duchy Originals to provide new funding to continue the
project.
Two further surveys have confirmed that the Garden Organic for Schools
project
is enabling schools to introduce their pupils to gardening activities
where they
are delighting in the experience of growing vegetables. Better still,
they are
also eating the fresh produce, and enjoying it!

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The
development of a garden area in school grounds may seem a daunting task
that
many teachers would like to attempt, but they feel it would increase
their
workload. However, this does not have to be the case. Organic gardening
activities offer teachers and students innovative and environmentally
friendly
ways of working across the curriculum. An added benefit is that whilst
carrying
out curriculum work, the school becomes a more pleasant place to work
and play.
The involvement of the students gives them ownership of their
environment,
meaning that they are more likely to care, and take responsibility for
it.
Organic gardening is inexpensive, environmentally friendly and provides
an
example of sustainable development in action for the students.

Organic
gardening does not have to be expensive, and allows students to learn
in ways
that are practical. Organic gardening will help to make abstract
concepts come
to life. It is important to remember that all people learn most by
doing and
this is an integral part of organic gardening.

Organic
gardening provides an ideal opportunity for cross-curricular work as
many of the
activities relate to more than one subject. However, it is also
possible for
individual subject areas to use the investigations and tasks.

Organic
Centre Wales works with organic farms and schools to promote
understanding of
food and farming amongst school students. This takes place through
visits to
farms, growing food in the school grounds, designing healthy menus and
so on.

Interdisciplinary Graduate Program Focuses on School Food
Gardens
"FEED project is focusing on learning gardens on site at several
Portland Public Schools to educate children about nutrition and healthy
food and simultaneously engage students in hands-on learning
experiences in creating edible gardens, growing food, preparing and
eating meals, and composting and recycling." Posted
January 24, 2006

Kids Gardening
"School and youth gardens are ideal vehicles for teaching across the
curriculum, enlivening learning, and helping young people develop
lifelong social skills. Our print and online catalogs offer plant-based
curricula, horticultural information, products that engage kids in
active learning and exploration, and general items sized for young
gardeners or designed to solve gardening challenges. " Posted October 29, 2005

"Garden
classes teach the Principles of Ecology, the origins of food, and
respect for all living systems. Students work together to shape and
plant beds, amend soil, turn compost, and harvest flowers, fruits, and
vegetables. In the kitchen classroom, students prepare and eat
delicious seasonal dishes from produce they have grown in the garden.
Students and teachers gather at the table to share food and
conversation during each class. " Posted October
29, 2005

The
Learning Garden is a model example of how school gardens can transform
the lives of students and teachers and the environment of their
community. Today, the agricultural plots are filled with organic food
grown by the high school students. The garden has a large medicinal
plant section for educational purposes, a pond with a water garden and
waterfall, and a California native plant and cacti garden. Posted January 22, 2005

Garden
Mosaics
"Many community gardeners grow plants and use cultivation practices
that originate from their unique cultural traditions. Little is known
about the diversity of plants and practices in urban gardens. Garden
Mosaics hopes to answer questions such as: Are there sustainable
practices that might be adapted by others? Are there herbs that might
be grown or used by a broader community?" Posted
January 10, 2002

Gardening Within Arm's Reach
Gardening and experiencing nature for the visually handicapped. How to
set up a garden with this in mind. by Hans Schuman
"Gardening within arm's reach is intended for professionals who garden
with specific groups, such as (school) children, elderly people and
people with an impairment. It is a book that shows how fruitful it can
be if a handicap or other limiting factor takes a back seat and the
emphasis is laid instead upon the potential people possess to shape
their environment. The book rests on many long years of experience
gained in gardening with visually handicapped students at the
Bartim\E9us school. "Posted November 25,
2000

Youth Farms and Activity Playgrounds in Germany
Youth Farms and Activity Playgrounds are pedagogically-supervised
playgrounds for all children of 6 -14 years. They are not connected
with any schools and are simply concerned with leisure activities.
Unlike most other European countries, schools in West Germany do not
usually cover the pupils' whole day, but close around 1 - 2 pm. Posted August 24, 2000

More than 60 species of
medicinal plants were collected from student\92s families

Queen Alexandra Elementary School
A focus for learning at Queen Alexandra Elementary
School is our outdoor classroom - the school garden. For five
years, we have been developing curriculae and nurturing the garden to
promote socially responsible, environmentally conscious attitudes in
the students. The school garden program is supported by the entire
school community - staff, students, parents and neighbourhood.

The Grandview U'uqinak'uuh Community Schoolyard
Includes: the community garden, the bosque, the outdoor classroom, the
feature landmark, the school garden, the butterfly garden, the
hummingbird garden, the Mound, the dissipation pond, and the
ethnobotanical garden. Posted January 26, 2000

Growing
With Plants
"A New 4-H Youth Curriculum - Teaching Nutrition Through Gardening
Education. Growing With Plants provides a blend of plant science,
ecology, and human nutrition that helps reestablish children's
connection between their growth, the food they eat, and where this food
comes from; and improves nutritional practices."
Posted October 5, 2001

The Food Project
" Each year, through The Food Project's innovative programs, hundreds
of teens from Greater Boston grow and distribute nearly 40,000 pounds
of fresh organic vegetables and in the process gain the skills and
knowledge they will need to be active and engaged citizens working for
a just society and a sustainable environment in the 21st Century." Posted January 26, 2000

Life Lab Science Program
"The mission of Life Lab Science Program is to improve opportunities
for children to learn science using the garden as a Living Laboratory."
Life Lab is an exciting hands-on science program with a "Living
Laboratory" approach to elementary science education. Students utilize
indoor and/or outdoor garden laboratories as the context for the
meaningful study of earth, life, and physical science. In a cooperative
learning environment, students experiment, investigate, collect,
record, and analyze data, in order to discuss, problem solve, and draw
conclusions. All lessons are easily integrated in a most relevant
manner into all areas of the curriculum. Posted
August 14, 1999

Pumpkin Circle Project
"The video and the book capture life in the pumpkin garden with
time-lapse photography of seeds sprouting, flowers opening, bees
buzzing, pumpkins growing, and jack-o-lanterns glowing. This is a story
to inspire the scientist, sculptor, chef, and teller of tall tales.
Ages four and up." Posted August 14, 1999

Grounds for Learning: A celebration of school
site developments in Scotland
By Kate Kenny 1996 Learning through Landscapes, 94 pages
"It is a fact of life that the majority of our children live in cities
or towns where they go to school in surroundings which have been aptly
described as 'asphalt deserts' or even 'green deserts'. How can we
expect them even to begin to understand what the natural heritage is
about if that is all the experience of it they are given?"

Digging Deeper
Integrating Youth Gardens Into Schools and Communities - A
Comprehensive Guide
1998 By Joseph Kiefer and Martin Kemple
A Production of Food Works and the Common Roots Press in Partnership
with the American Community Gardening Association (ACGA)
Food Works
64 Main Street, Montpelier, Vermont 05602 USA
Phone 802-223-1515
Fax 802-223-8980RootsNet@Plainfield.Bypass.com
A beautifully illustrated step-by-step guide for organizing and
constructing children's gardens. The book is full of seasonal gardening
activities and project ideas designed to cultivate high academic
performance across the subject areas. Digging Deeper is a resource
manual for the burgeoning Garden in Every School Campaign, in
partnership with the ACGA.

Learning Through
Landscapes (England) publishes a variety of titles
emphasizing environmental education in the school yard. Science -
Recycling - Trees in School Grounds are three of many booklets which
explore every inch of a school property.
Learning Through Landscapes
3rd Floor Southside Offices
The Law Courts
Winchester SO23 9DL
Phone (01962)846258
Fax (01962)869099

A leader in the United States in this field is
The Grow Lab program from the National Gardening Association. Three publications
are central to their program.
Grow Lab: A Complete Guide to Gardening in the Classroom
Grow Lab: Activities for Growing Minds
Growing Ideas: Newsletter

Pocket- Sized Farms
After three years of gardening with children in London, Ontario,
LifeSpin has produced the Pocket-Sized Farms Kid's Garden Book.
Organized around the seasons, the book is designed for children to use
as members of a school garden club or in their own backyards. The
children's book is part of a package of materials that LifeSpin is
developing to encourage schools to develop productive, inspiring
gardens on currently barren school yards. The second part of the
package is a Teacher's and Parent's Guide to Organic Gardening that
will be available early in 2000.
The Kid's Garden Book - Pocket-Sized Farms sells for $10 each or $8.50
each for five or more copies. The Teacher's and Parent's Guide to
Organic Gardening will sell for $15 each.
Call Rob Barrs at LifeSpin (519) 438 8676 ext.31 to order copies or
send cheque (payable to Lifespin) to LIFESPIN, P0 Box 2801, London, ON.
N6A 4H4, Canada.

The Seeds of Change Garden is a hands-on project
that emphasizes the rich diversity that can result from cultural
exchange. Through the garden that children plan, cultivate, and
harvest, they interact with nature and each other. They learn about the
similarities and differences among themselves through the experience of
growing, cooking, and eating food; important elements in all cultures.
The garden further helps students respect and nurture the Earth and its
peoples.

The Evergreen
Foundation(Canada) a new
organization involved in what they call "School Ground
Naturalization, which aims to change bleak areas into more liveable,
balanced environments through the planting of indigenous species."
Evergreen Foundation
355 Adelaide St. W., Suite 500
Toronto, ON, M5V 1S2

Green Teacher is a magazine by and for educators
to enhance environmental and global education across the curriculum at
all grade levels. Fifty pages of ideas and activities, four times a
year. A special issue of Green Teacher (April/May, 1994) focused on
"The Promise of Gardening" in schools. It includes articles on
"Children and Gardens in Japan" and "Multicultural Gardens". There is
also Schoolyard Greening Issue #46, and Green Teacher's 2 Electronic
Collections of articles on schoolyard naturalization, called
"Transforming Schoolgrounds,Parts I and II"
Green Teacher
95 Robert Street
Toronto, ON M5S 2K5
Phone (416) 960-1244

Youth
and Urban Agriculture
Ken Hargesheimer of Gardens/Mini-Farms Network argues that we must show
young people that mini-farming is a worthwhile career.